Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Many of us love fabric softener for the softness and fresh scent it can bring to our clothes while eliminating static cling. But different washer setups and concern over the right amount to use can lead to time-consuming speculation. We’ll discuss how to use fabric softener in top load washer both with and without a dispenser, as well as the correct amounts.

Using Fabric Softener in Top Load Washer: A How-To Guide

The simple act of adding fabric softener to laundry can have several variables to consider. How do you properly use your machine’s fabric softener dispenser? How do you use fabric softener if your top loader doesn’t have a dispenser? Lastly, how much should you actually use?

Our guide takes the guesswork out of using fabric softener in top load washer so you get the results you want.

Top Load Washer with Dispenser

When you have a dispenser, where to put fabric softener in a top load washer is fairly straightforward. We suggest these simple steps:

  1. Locate the washer’s dispenser. This is typically inside the washer at the top of its central column.
  2. Measure the correct amount for your laundry load using the fabric softener cap and pour it into the dispenser.
  3. Allow the wash cycle to continue. The fabric softener will automatically dispense during the spin cycle.
Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine
Photo Credit: Downy

Top Load Washer without Dispenser

It can be difficult to know when to add fabric softener in washing machine without dispenser. If you add the fabric softener at the beginning of the wash cycle, it will likely be washed away before doing its job.

When adding fabric softener in top load washer without a dispenser, simply pour it in during the rinse cycle. We suggest pouring it into the washer tub’s water instead of directly on clothing to avoid staining. Use the amount that best corresponds to the size of your laundry load by measuring with your fabric softener cap.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine
Photo Credit: Downy

How Much Fabric Softener Should I Use?

Did you know that too much fabric softener could lead to a buildup of harmful residue in your top load washer? Without regular cleaning, this residue could lead to an overgrowth of smelly mold and mildew. Yet, using too little fabric softener in top load washer won’t produce the desired effects on clothes.

Knowing how much fabric softener to use in top load washing machine starts with the cap. The fabric softener cap has lines that measure out the correct amount of softener for medium, large, and extra large loads. Simply pour out the amount that best corresponds to your size load.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine
Photo Credit: Crafty Morning

We hope this guide makes using fabric softener in top load washer simple and straightforward. From how to use fabric softener to the best laundry stain removers and washer repair, Lake Appliance Repair can help. Give us a call for any of your washer needs!

When your family’s dirty clothes have piled up throughout the week, getting started on your laundry may feel like a challenge. Whirlpool® Top Load Washers are ready to handle your fabric challenges and help you keep laundry day on track. Get the most out of your appliance with these tips for how to use a top load washing machine.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 1: Sort and prepare your laundry

To get the most out of every wash cycle, sort your fabrics by recommended water temperature, cycle setting and colors. Empty pockets of loose change, buttons and other items that can become loose during the cycle. If you have stubborn stains, pretreat them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 2: How to put detergent in top load washer

Once your laundry is sorted and prepared for washing, add a measured amount of detergent (or a single-dose detergent packet) to your machine. Remember to always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions to find the right measurement for your load size. Your model will determine where to put detergent in your top load washer, most often to either a dispenser compartment or added directly to the washer basket. Washing machines from Whirlpool brand offer a Load & Go™ Dispenser that allows you to add enough detergent for up to 20 loads of laundry so you can skip the extra step of adding detergent for every wash.1

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 3: Load your top load washer with laundry

For the best results, load your garments in loose piles evenly around the wall of the washer basket. To ensure that your garments can move freely during the cycle for proper cleaning, avoid tightly packing the wash drum. An important top load washer instruction: if your top load washer has an agitator, be careful not to wrap long items tightly around the agitator as this encourages tangling. Whirlpool offers washing machine models with an industry-first 2 in 1 Removable Agitator that allows you to easily swap out the agitator post for customized care for your clothes.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 4: Add fabric softener (optional)

Depending on the model of your washing machine, you will either add fabric softener to a designated dispenser before the start of the cycle or manually add it during the final rinse of the wash cycle. If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, add a measured amount of the product and dilute it with warm water to fill the dispenser to the “Max Fill” line. If your top load washer does not have a fabric softener dispenser, you will have to add the fabric softener manually.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 5: Add stain removers or fabric brighteners (optional)

If you use stain removers or fabric brighteners in your laundry routine, you will either add these products to the bottom of the wash basket before loading with laundry or into a designated dispenser depending on your appliance model. Some tough stains need to be pretreated, which is why select Whirlpool® Top Load Washers offer a Pretreat Station. The Pretreat Station allows you to soak and scrub your stains right in the washer with a built-in faucet and pretreat brush to clean the stain before it sets.

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

Step 6: Select washer cycle and settings

Once your laundry, detergents and fabric treatments have all been loaded, close the lid and select your wash cycle settings. Always consult your garment’s care label instructions before selecting your washer settings to avoid damaging the fabric. Select Whirlpool® Top Loading Washers include Intuitive Controls, which let you choose wash settings based on what you’re washing and how you want to wash the particular load.

“What to Wash” cycle settings include:

  • Regular - For cottons, pajamas, sweatshirts, t-shirts and mixed loads

  • Colors - For athletic wear, bright colors, dark colors, dress shirts and pants, jeans and no-iron fabrics

  • Whites - For washing baby clothes, table linens, socks, undergarments and white fabrics

  • Delicates - For delicate fabrics, handwash fabrics, lingerie, machine wash silks and wool

  • Bulky items - For blankets, coats and jackets, machine wash curtains, non-rubber lined rugs, sheets and sleeping bags

  • Towels -  For dish cloths, terry cloths and towels

Once you’ve selected what you’re washing, you will select from the “How to Wash” settings. Options include Normal, Wrinkle Control, Heavy Duty for powerful soil removal, Sanitize with Oxi to help eliminate bacteria, Cold Wash and Quick Wash.

Tip:

You can schedule cycles, select settings and track cycle progress on your smart top load washer all from your phone when you use the Whirlpool® App.1

Explore Whirlpool® Top Load Washers with innovative features

With Whirlpool® Top Load Washers, you can customize every load and care for clothes in fewer steps to make laundry day a breeze.

6. Wifi & app required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect

Learn more about Whirlpool® Washing Machines

Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine
Where to put fabric softener in whirlpool washing machine

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1. Based on an 8-lb load.

How do you use fabric softener in a Whirlpool top load washer?

If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, add a measured amount of the product and dilute it with warm water to fill the dispenser to the “Max Fill” line. If your top load washer does not have a fabric softener dispenser, you will have to add the fabric softener manually.

How do I put fabric softener in my washer without a dispenser?

If you're wondering how to use fabric softener in the washing machine without a dispenser, all you need to do is add the correct amount to the lid and place it directly in the drum of the washing machine.